23 Feb, 6:30 pm Fes

So my trip to the Middle Atlas was interesting, not really what I expected at all the first stop was a village called Bhalil which was a very old traditional Berber village which grew out of old cave dwellings. Osama bin Laden's house this was not. I was invited into one, the main living area was bigger than mine and while simple was not at all bad. Not that I'm about to pack up my things and move to a Moroccan cave, bit, y'know. You'll see when I post the pictures!

There were a couple of stops specifically for panoramic views, and oddly enough a town which brands itself "The Switzerland of Morocco". It looked the part although it all seemed a little contrived to me! But there were dozens of Swiss-style chalets, and even snow on the ground in a lot of places. I'd have never guessed it! We had a very mediocre and priced-for-tourists meal, then on to a national park which consisted of three things: cedar trees, snow and MONKEYS! Monkeys that were very used to tourists feeding them; luckily some French children were happy to oblige which took their attention off me. Monkeys are best appreciated at a distance, in my opinion! Again though, not at all what I would have expected for Morocco, the area looked a lot like northern Arizona.

I think it's time for a nap before dinner, I did not sleep well last night at all! Couldn't turn off my brain, plus there is no white noise at all, PLUS the first call to prayer is at around 4 am. These must be a very devout people to be willing to get up in the middle of the night to pray. Oy. Tonight, a simply sleep, just in case!